Pharmaceutical compositions and method for the production of an anti-inflammatory effect

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to enzyme inhibitory, novel phthalazin-4-ylacetic acid derivatives of the general formula I: ##STR1## and pharmaceutically acceptable salts as appropriate, to pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and to analogy processes for their manufacture. The compounds of formula I are inhibitors of the enzyme aldose reductase in vivo and as such may be useful in the reduction or prevention of the development of the peripheral effects such as macular oedema, cataract, retinopathy or impaired neural conduction. A preferred compound is 2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetic acid.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 964,725, filed Nov. 29, 1978,now U.S. Pat. No. 4,251,528.

This invention relates to novel phthalazin-4-ylacetic acid derivativesand, more particularly, it relates to such derivatives which possess theproperty of inhibiting the enzyme aldose reductase in vivo.

The enzyme aldose reductase is responsible for the catalytic conversionof aldoses, for example glucose and galactose, to the correspondingalditols, for example sorbitol and galactitol respectively. Alditolspenetrate cell membranes poorly and, once formed, tend to be removedonly by further metabolism. As a consequence, alditols tend toaccumulate within cells where they are formed, causing a rise ininternal osmotic pressure which may in turn be sufficient to destroy orimpair the function of the cells themselves. In addition, raised alditollevels may result in abnormal levels of their metabolites which maythemselves impair or damage cellular function. However, the enzymealdose reductase has a relatively low substrate affinity, that is, it isonly effective in the presence of relatively large concentrations ofaldose. Such large concentrations of aldose are present in the clinicalconditions of diabetes (excessive glucose) and galactosemia (excessivegalactose). As a consequence, inhibitors of the enzyme aldose reductaseare useful in the reduction or prevention of the development of thoseperipheral effects of diabetes or galactosemia which may be due in partto the accumulation of sorbitol or galactitol respectively. Suchperipheral effects are, for example, macular oedema, cataract,retinopathy or impaired neural conduction.

It is known from our earlier work that 1-benzyl-2-oxoquinol-4-ylalkanoicacid derivatives are inhibitors of the enzyme aldose reductase (U.K.Pat. specification Ser. No. 1,502,312). We have now found that certain2-benzyl-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetic acid derivatives definedhereinafter, are unexpectedly also inhibitors of the enzyme aldosereductase. This finding is particularly surprising in view of the manydifferences between the 2-oxoquinoline and 1-oxophthalazine ringsystems. The related phthalazine derivatives, 2-benzyl- and2-(2-pyrid-2-ylethyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetic acidtogether with their methyl and ethyl esters, are known, and theireffects on the clotting system of blood have been reported (Sh. Feldeaket alia, Khim. Farm. Zh., 1970, 4, 22-26; Chemical Abstracts, 1970, 73,77173) but, unlike the compounds of the invention defined hereinbelow,none of these known phthalazine derivatives are inhibitors of aldosereductase in vivo at oral doses of 100 mg./kg. or less.

According to the invention there is provided a phthalazin-4-ylaceticacid derivative of the formula: ##STR2## wherein R¹ is a hydroxy orbenzyloxy radical, or a C₁₋₄ -alkoxy radical optionally bearing anN-morpholino or di-C₁₋₄ -alkylamino radical; the substituents R², R³, R⁴and R⁵ on benzene ring A are selected from any one of the followingcombinations:

(a), R² is a fluoro or methoxy radical, R³ is hydrogen, R⁴ is a chloro,bromo or iodo radical, and R⁵ is hydrogen or a halogeno radical;

(b), R², R³ and R⁵ are hydrogen, and R⁴ is a bromo or iodo radical;

(c), R² is hydrogen or a fluoro radical, R³ and R⁵ are the same ordifferent halogeno radicals, and R⁴ is hydrogen;

(d), R² is hydrogen or a fluoro radical, R³ and R⁴ are the same ordifferent halogeno radicals, and R⁵ is hydrogen; and

(e), R² is hydrogen, R³ and R⁵ are independently fluoro or chlororadicals, and R⁴ is a chloro, bromo or iodo radical; and wherein, onbenzene ring B, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are independently selected from hydrogen,halogeno, C₁₋₄ -alkyl and C₁₋₄ -alkoxy radicals; or R⁶ and R⁷ togetherconstitute a C₁₋₄ -alkylenedioxy diradical; provided that at least oneof R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ is hydrogen; and X is oxygen or sulphur; or apharmaceutically acceptable base-addition salt of a compound of formulaI wherein R¹ is a hydroxy radical; or a pharmaceutically acceptableacid-addition salt of a compound of formula I wherein R¹ is a C₁₋₄-alkoxy radical bearing an N-morpholino or di-C₁₋₄ -alkylamino radical.

The compounds of formula I are derivatives of1,2-dihydro-1-oxo-(or-thioxo)-phthalazin-4-ylacetic acid, which isnumbered throughout this specification as follows: ##STR3## where X isoxygen or sulphur.

It will be appreciated that the compounds of formula I are capable oftautomerism to give a structure of the formula: ##STR4## and it is to beunderstood that this invention embraces tautomers of formula I(endo-tautomer) or of formula Ia (exo-tautomer), or mixtures thereof.

A particular value for R³ or R⁵ when it is a halogeno radical is, forexample, a fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo radical, and especially achloro or bromo radical.

A particular value for R⁶, R⁷ or R⁸ when it is a halogeno radical is,for example, a fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo radical; when it is a C₁₋₄-alkyl radical, is, for example, a methyl radical; and when it is a C₁₋₄-alkoxy radical, is, for example, a methoxy or ethoxy radical.

A particular value for R¹ when it is a C₁₋₄ -alkoxy radical is, forexample, a methoxy or ethoxy radical; and when it is a C₁₋₄ -alkoxyradical bearing an N-morpholino or di-C₁₋₄ -alkylamino radical, is, forexample, a 2-(N-morpholino)ethoxy or 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethoxyradical.

A particular value for R⁶ and R⁷, when together they constitute a C₁₋₄-alkylenedioxy diradical, is, for example, a methylenedioxy,ethylenedioxy or isopropylidenedioxy diradical.

Particular combinations of R², R³, R⁴ and R⁵ which are of specialinterest are when benzene ring A is, for example, a 2-fluoro-4-bromo-,2-fluoro-4-chloro-, 2-fluoro-4-iodo-, 2-fluoro-4,5-dibromo-,2-methoxy-4-chloro-, 4-bromo-, 4-iodo-, 3,5-dichloro-,3-chloro-4-bromo-, 3,4-dichloro-, 3,4-dibromo- or a3,5-dichloro-4-bromo-phenyl radical.

Particular combinations of R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ which are of special interestare, for example, when benzene ring B is unsubstituted or bears a6-fluoro, 6-chloro, 6-methyl, 7-fluoro, 7-chloro, 7-methyl, 7-methoxy,8-fluoro, 8-methyl or 8-ethoxy radical, or a 6,7-dichloro or6,7-methylenedioxy diradical.

A particular base-addition salt of a compound of formula I wherein R¹ isa hydroxy radical is, for example, an alkali metal or alkaline earthmetal salt, for example a sodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium salt,an aluminum or ammonium salt, or a salt of an organic base affording apharmaceutically acceptable cation, for example a salt oftriethanolamine.

A particular acid-addition salt of a compound of formula I wherein R¹ isa C₁₋₄ -alkoxy radical bearing an N-morpholino or di-C₁₋₄ -alkylaminoradical is, for example, a hydrohalide, for example a hydrochloride orhydrobromide, or a sulphate.

Specific groups of compounds which are particularly preferred comprisethose compounds of formula I wherein:

(i) R¹ is a hydroxy radical;

(ii) R² is a fluoro radical, R³ and R⁵ are hydrogen, and R⁴ is a chloro,bromo or iodo radical;

(iii) R³ and R⁴ are both independently chloro, bromo or iodo radicals,and R² and R⁵ are hydrogen;

(iv) R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are hydrogen; or

(v) X is oxygen;

and in each of the groups (i)-(v) the remainder of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵,R⁶, R⁷, R⁸ and X have any of the above defined values, or those definedin any other group; together with the pharmaceutically acceptable saltsthereof, depending on the nature of R¹.

Specific compounds of the invention are described in the accompanyingExamples and of these the following are preferred:

2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetic acid,2-(2-fluoro-4-iodobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetic acid,and 2-(3-chloro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxo-phthalazin-4-ylaceticacid; together with the pharmaceutically acceptable base-addition saltsthereof.

The compounds of the invention may be manufactured by general proceduresof organic chemistry well known in the art for the preparation ofchemically analogous compounds. Such processes are provided as a furtherfeature of this invention and are illustrated by the following, whereinR¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, X and benzene rings A and B have any ofthe meanings stated hereinabove unless otherwise stated:

(a) For a compound of formula I wherein X is oxygen, reacting a compoundof the formula: ##STR5## with a halide of the formula: ##STR6## whereinHal. is a chloro, bromo or iodo radical, in the presence of a suitablebase.

The process is preferably carried out in a solvent or diluent, forexample, ethanol, dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulphoxide or water, andis conveniently accelerated by heating in the range, for example,40°-110° C.

A particularly suitable base is, for example, an alkali metal hydride,hydroxide or C₁₋₄ -alkoxide, for example sodium or potassium hydride,hydroxide, methoxide or ethoxide; it being understood that when ahydride is used, a non aqueous solvent, for example dimethylformamide ordimethyl sulphoxide, is necessary, and when an alkoxide is used, a C₁₋₄-alkanol, for example methanol or ethanol, is preferably used assolvent.

It will be apparent that when a compound of formula III wherein R¹ is ahydroxy radical is used in the process, it is necessary for at least twomolar equivalents of the base to be present, since the first molarequivalent reacts with the carboxylic acid radical of such a compound.In addition, for such a compound of formula III, it is preferable to usea hydroxylic solvent for the process in order that concomitantproduction of the corresponding ester is minimised.

(b) For a compound of formula I wherein R¹ is a hydroxy radical,hydrolysing an ester of the formula: ##STR7## wherein R⁹ is a C₁₋₄-alkoxy radical or a radical of the formula: ##STR8##

A particularly suitable value for a C₁₋₄ -alkoxy radical is, forexample, a methoxy or ethoxy radical and for a radical of formula VI, isany value for benzene ring A defined hereinbefore, for example anoptionally substituted benzyl radical.

The hydrolysis may be carried out in the presence of acid or base, forexample in the presence of a mineral acid, for example hydrochloricacid, or of an alkali metal hydroxide or carbonate, for example sodiumor potassium hydroxide or carbonate. An alkali metal carbonate ispreferred when benzene ring B bears a labile substituent, for example,an 8-fluoro radical. The hydrolysis is carried out in the presence ofwater and a solvent or diluent, for example, acetic acid, methanol,ethanol or dioxan, may also be present. The hydrolysis may be carriedout at room temperature, for example at 18°-25° C., but is convenientlyaccelerated by heating, for example at 35°-110° C.

(c) For a compound of formula I wherein X is oxygen, reacting a compoundof the formula: ##STR9## or a geometric isomer thereof, with a hydrazineof the formula: ##STR10##

The process is preferably carried out in an aqueous diluent or solvent,for example aqueous dioxan, ethanol or dimethylformamide, and in thepresence of a base, for example sodium or potassium hydrogen carbonate.The process is also conveniently carried out by heating at, for example,40°-110° C.

(d) For a compound of formula I wherein X is oxygen and R¹ is a hydroxyor C₁₋₄ -alkoxy radical, catalytically decomposing a diazoketone of theformula: ##STR11## in the presence of a compound of the formula Q.Hwherein Q is a hydroxy or a C₁₋₄ -alkoxy radical, for example a methoxyor ethoxy radical.

The necessary catalyst may be provided by, for example, colloidalsilver, or silver benzoate, and is preferably used in the presence of abase, for example, triethylamine, pyridine or s-collidine. The processis preferably carried out in the presence of a diluent or solvent, forexample water, a C₁₋₄ -alkanol, for example methanol or ethanol,tetrahydrofuran or dioxan, and is conveniently carried out using anexcess of the compound of formula Q.H, optionally together withtetrahydrofuran or dioxan.

The process is conveniently accelerated by heating, for example byheating to a temperature in the range 40°-110° C.

(e) For a compound of formula I wherein R¹ is a hydroxy radical,decarboxylating a malonic acid of the formula: ##STR12##

The decarboxylation may either be carried out by thermal means alone,for example by heating at a temperature in the range 50°-150° C.optionally in the presence of a solvent or diluent, for example ethyleneglycol or diphenyl ether; or alternatively, by treatment with acidoptionally in the presence of heat, for example by treating withsulphuric or hydrochloric acid at a temperature in the range 20°-150°C., conveniently in a solvent or diluent, for example, water, ethanol oracetic acid.

(f) For a compound of formula I wherein benzene ring B bears a C₁₋₄-alkoxy radical, reacting a compound of formula I wherein benzene ring Bbears a halogeno radical, for example a fluoro radical, with an alkalimetal C₁₋₄ -alkoxide, for example sodium methoxide or ethoxide.

The reaction is preferably carried out in a solvent or diluent, forexample, in an excess of the corresponding C₁₋₄ -alkanol, for examplemethanol or ethanol, and may be accelerated by heating at, for example,40°-110° C., or conveniently at the boiling point of the reactionmixture.

Whereafter, for a compound of formula I wherein R¹ is other than ahydroxy radical, the corresponding compound of formula I, wherein R¹ isa hydroxy radical (that is the corresponding acetic acid of formula I),or a reactive derivative thereof, for example the corresponding acidchloride, bromide or anhydride, is reacted using well knownesterification procedures and conditions with the appropriate compoundof the formula R¹⁰.H, wherein R¹⁰ has the same meaning as R¹ other thana hydroxy radical.

Whereafter, for a compound of formula I wherein X is sulphur, thecorresponding oxo compound of formula I, wherein X is oxygen, is thiatedusing well known procedures and conditions, for example by reaction withphosphorus pentasulphide in boiling xylene or pyridine.

Both these well known procedures are illustrated in the accompanyingExamples.

The starting materials may in general be prepared by standard proceduresof heterocyclic chemistry well known in the art, for example as reviewedby N. R. Patel in "The Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds" Vol. 27,published by Interscience, New York. Such procedures are typified bythose used for the preparation of the diazoketones of formula IXrequired for process (d) and shown in Scheme 1, in which the reagentsused are as follows:

(i) n-Bu.Li, Et₂ O or (MeOCH₂)₂, -10°-0° C.

(ii) diethyloxalate, 0°-5° C.

(iii) H⁺ H₂ O/dioxan, 90°-100° C.

(iv) K₂ CO₃ /KMnO₄ /H₂ O, 100° C.

(v) H₂ NNH₂.H₂ O, 90°-100° C.

(vi) as process (a)

(vii) SO.(Hal.)₂, (Hal.=C1 or Br) or (COCl)₂

(viii) excess CH₂ N₂ /Et₂ O;

and in which, for clarity, individual radicals R² -R⁸ are not shown. Inmany cases it is convenient to convert the acid of formula XIV to itsmethyl ester, for example by reaction of its sodium salt with methyliodide in dimethyl formamide, before carrying out the alkylation withthe benzyl halide [step (vi)]. This modification is described inExamples 8, 9 and 31-34 hereinafter and necessitates a conventionalhydrolysis to the corresponding acid after the alkylation and beforestep (vii) is carried out. ##STR13##

It will be appreciated that depending on the nature of the substituentsto be introduced into benzene ring B either the 2-acyltoluene XI or the2-phenyloxazoline XII derivatives may be the most appropriate startingmaterials. Equally, it will be appreciated that it may be convenient toavoid the isolation and purification of several of the intermediates inScheme 1, for example of the lithio and oxalato derivatives produced bysteps (i) and (ii) respectively. Similarly, when carrying out process(d) hereinabove, it is convenient to prepare diazoketone IX in situ fromacid halide XIII.

The starting materials of formula III for process (a) may be obtained byanalogy with process (c), that is by reacting a compound of formula VIIwith hydrazine hydrate, and then, if a compound of formula III in whichR¹ is other than a hydroxy radical is required, converting thephthalazin-4-ylacetic acid product as the free acid or acid chlorideinto the appropriate ester by conventional, known general procedures.

Some of the starting materials of formula VII may conveniently beobtained from the corresponding substituted phthalic anhydride of theformula: ##STR14## by condensation with acetic anhydride, for example inthe presence of sodium or potassium acetate and in an excess of boilingacetic anhydride. However, they may all be obtained by a Wittig reactionbetween the appropriate phthalic anhydride of formula XV and(carbethoxymethylene)triphenylphosphorane in a suitable solvent, forexample, 1,2-dimethoxyethane or tetrahydrofuran, the reactionconveniently accelerated by heating, for example, at the boiling pointof the reaction mixture. It will be appreciated that in some cases theproduct from the Wittig reaction may be the geometric isomer of theformula: ##STR15## rather than that depicted in formula VII.Alternatively a mixture of both geometric isomers may be formed. Eitherisomer or a mixture thereof may be employed in process (c). It shouldalso be noted that when R⁸ and one of R⁷ and R⁶ are hydrogen the Wittigreaction produces positional isomers depending on which of the twocarbonyl radicals of the phthalic anhydride XV reacts. When R⁸ is otherthan hydrogen one positional isomer predominates i.e. that formed byreaction of the carbonyl radical furthest from R⁸.

The malonic acid starting materials of formula X may be convenientlyobtained by base catalysed hydrolysis of the corresponding diester offormula XVI, for example using aqueous ethanolic sodium hydroxide at20°-100° C., followed by acidification at 20°-25° C. rather than athigher temperatures, which latter lead to decarboxylation in accordancewith process (e) hereinabove. The necessary diester starting materialsof formula XVI may themselves be obtained by reacting a dialkylphthalidenemalonate of the formula XVII with the appropriate hydrazineof formula VIII: ##STR16## using similar conditions to those describedin connection with analogous process (c). The phthalidenemalonates offormula XVII may be obtained by reaction of a dialkyl malonate with theappropriate phthalic anhydride of formula XV, conveniently in thepresence of acetic anhydride and a base, for example triethylamine.

The pharmaceutically acceptable salts as defined hereinbefore may bemade by conventional procedures by reaction with the appropriate base oracid affording a pharmaceutically acceptable cation or anionrespectively.

The property of inhibiting the enzyme aldose reductase may bedemonstrated in the following standard laboratory test. Thus, rats aremade diabetic by dosing with streptozotocin and are then dosed dailywith the test compound for 5 days. The animals are then killed and theeye lenses and sciatic nerves are removed. After a standard work-upprocedure the residual sorbitol levels in each tissue are determined bygas liquid chromatography after conversion to the poly trimethylsilylderivatives. Inhibition of aldose reductase in vivo is then assessed bycomparing the residual sorbitol levels in tissues from the doseddiabetic group of rats with those of an undosed group of diabetic ratsand an undosed, normal group of rats.

Alternatively, a modified test may be used in which the streptozotocininduced diabetic rats are dosed daily with test compound for two days.After 2-4 hours from the final dose the animals are killed and thesciatic nerves are removed and assessed for residual sorbitol levels asdescribed above.

Active compounds in either of these tests reduce residual sorbitollevels to levels which are similar to those of normal, undosed rats.However, in general the compounds of formula I produce significantinhibition of the enzyme aldose reductase at an oral dose of 100 mg./kg.or less. Thus, by way of illustration,2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetic acidproduced a residual sorbitol level in the sciatic nerve of approximately60% of that obtained in control undosed diabetic rats following oraldosing at 10 mg./kg. for 5 days. No overt toxic or other undesirableeffects were detected with compounds of formula I at 100 mg./kg. in theabove tests.

The property of inhibiting the enzyme aldose reductase may also bedemonstrated in vitro. Thus, purified aldose reductase is isolated inknown manner from bovine lenses. The percentage inhibition of thisenzyme's ability in vitro to reduce aldoses to polyhydric alcohols, andparticularly to reduce glucose to sorbitol, caused by a test compound isthen determined using standard spectrophotometric methods. In this testthose compounds of formula I wherein R¹ is a hydroxy radical shownsignificant inhibition of the enzyme aldose reductase at a concentrationin the range 10⁻⁸ to 10⁻⁶ M or less. Thus, by way of illustration,2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetic acidhas a K_(i) of 2.0×10⁻⁸ M.

When a compound of the invention is used to produce an effect on theenzyme aldose reductase in warm-blooded animals it may be administeredprimarily orally at a daily dose of 2 to 50 mg./kg., which is equivalentin man to a total daily dose in the range 20 to 750 mg. per man, givenin divided doses if necessary.

The compounds of the invention may be administered in the form ofpharmaceutical compositions and according to a further feature of theinvention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition which comprisesa compound of formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,together with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier.

Especially preferred pharmaceutical compositions are those which are ina form suitable for oral administration, for example tablets, capsules,suspensions or solutions, which may be obtained by conventional methodsand, if desired, may incorporate conventional diluents, carriers orother excipients. Other preferred compositions are those which are in aform suitable for parenteral administration, for example sterileinjectable aqueous or non-aqueous solutions or suspensions, and forrectal administration, for example suppositories. Dosage forms willgenerally contain from 10 mg. to 250 mg. of a compound of formula I, oran equivalent amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, perdosage unit.

The compositions of the invention may also contain one or more agentswhich may have a useful effect in the treatment of diabetes orgalactosemia, for example a hypoglycaemic agent such as tolbutamide.

Several of the compounds of the invention possess, in addition to aldosereductase inhibitory properties, antiflammatory/analgesic properties ofthe type possessed by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such asindomethacin, naproxen and ketoprofen. The compounds of the inventionmay therefore in addition be useful in the treatment of painfulinflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritisand ankylosing spondylitis. In this connection it is envisaged that theywould be administered primarily orally at a daily dose in the range10-50 mg./kg. The anti-inflammatory properties may be demonstrated inwell known standard laboratory tests in rats. Thus, by way of example,2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetic acidand 2-(3-chloro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylaceticacid both give rise to significant inhibition of carageenin inducedoedema in the test developed by Winter et alia [Proceedings of theSociety of Experimental Biology (New York), 1962, 111, 554] without anysign of overt toxicity.

The invention is illustrated by the following non-limiting Examples inwhich:

(i) all evaporations were carried out by rotary evaporation in vacuounless otherwise stated;

(ii) all operations were performed at room temperature unless otherwisestated, room temperature being in the range 18°-26° C.;

(iii) petroleum ether (b.p. 60°-80° C.) is referred to as "petrol(60-80)", and other petroleum ether fractions accordingly;

(iv) melting points of acetic acids are associated with decomposition inmany cases;

(v) all compounds of formula I and isolated intermediates werecharacterised on the basis of microanalysis and NMR and IR spectroscopy;and

(vi) yields, where given are for illustration and do not necessarilyrepresent the maximum attainable.

EXAMPLE 1

1,2-Dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetic acid (2.0 g.) was added to asolution of sodium hydroxide (0.9 g.) in methanol (50 ml.). A clearsolution was obtained on slight warming, which was treated with4-bromobenzyl bromide (2.6 g.). The mixture was then heated under refluxfor 3 hours and then evaporated. The residue was treated with water (60ml.) and the solution obtained was extracted with ether (3×60 ml.). Theaqueous phase was then acidified to pH 2 with concentrated hydrochloricacid and the acid mixture extracted with ethyl acetate (150 ml.). Theextracts were washed with water (50 ml.), dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated.The solid obtained was recrystallised from a 1:4 v/v mixture of ethylacetate and petrol (60-80) to give2-(4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetic acid (0.6 g.),m.p. 179°-181° C.

EXAMPLE 2

A mixture of ethyl 1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate (11.5 g.) andsodium hydride (2.7 g.; 50% w/w dispersion in mineral oil) indimethylformamide (125 ml.) was stirred at 60° C. for 1 hour undernitrogen. The solution obtained was cooled to room temperature and then4-bromo-3-chlorobenzyl bromide (15.0 g.) was added, and the mixturestirred at 60° C. for 2 hours. After cooling to 25° C. the reactionmixture was poured into water (500 ml.). The aqueous mixture obtainedwas extracted with ethyl acetate (400 ml.). The extracts were washedwith water, dried (MgSO₄), and evaporated to give a solid, which wascrystallised from propan-2-ol to yield ethyl2-(3-chloro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate (7.3g.), m.p. 142°-145° C.

EXAMPLES 3-4

Using a similar procedure to that described in Example 2, the followingcompounds of the formula: ##STR17## in which ring B is unsubstituted,were obtained from ethyl 1,2-dihydro-2-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate and theappropriate bromide of the formula: ##STR18##

    ______________________________________                                                substituents on                                                                           yield   m.p.   recrystallisation                          Example benzene ring A                                                                            (%)     (°C.)                                                                         solvent                                    ______________________________________                                        3       *3,4-dichloro                                                                             40      139-141                                                                              i-PrOH                                     4       2-fluoro-4- 60      114    EtOH                                               bromo                                                                 ______________________________________                                         [*note: 3,4dichlorobenzyl chloride used as starting material].           

EXAMPLE 5

A solution of ethyl2-(3-chloro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate (7.0g.) in ethanol (70 ml.) containing potassium hydroxide (7.0 g.) washeated under reflux for 30 minutes. The solution was then poured intowater (250 ml.) and the aqueous solution was extracted with ether (2×150ml.). The aqueous phase was acidified to pH 2 with concentratedhydrochloric acid. The solid which was thus precipitated was separated,washed with water, dried in vacuo and then recrystallised from a 6:2:3v/v mixture of toluene, propan-2-ol and petrol (60-80) to give2-(3-chloro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetic acid(3.9 g.), m.p. 186° C.

EXAMPLES 6-7

Using a similar procedure to that described in Example 5, the followingcompounds of the formula: ##STR19## in which ring B is unsubstituted,were obtained by hydrolysis of the appropriate ethyl ester of formula(1):

    ______________________________________                                                substituents on                                                                           yield   m.p.   recrystallisation                          Example benzene ring A                                                                            (%)     (°C.)                                                                         solvents                                   ______________________________________                                        6       3,4-dichloro                                                                              60      175-176                                                                              toluene-i-PrOH                             7       2-fluoro-4- 64      *184-185                                                                             methanol                                           bromo                                                                 ______________________________________                                         *Note: This compound can crystallise in polymorphic forms, that is a form     m.p. 184-185° C. (from methanol containing some water) and a form      m.p. 180-182° C. (from two crystallisations from dry methanol).   

EXAMPLE 8

A stirred mixture of2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-7-methoxy-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylicacid (1.9 g.) in thionyl chloride (10 ml.) containing dimethylformamide(0.1 ml.) was heated under reflux for 3 hours. The solution obtained wasthen evaporated. The residue was dissolved in dry toluene and thesolution evaporated. This procedure was carried out three times to give2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-7-methoxy-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylicacid chloride in essentially quantitative yield as a solid, having asatisfactory IR spectrum.

A solution of the above acid chloride in dry tetrahydrofuran (50 ml.)was added dropwise to a stirred solution of diazomethane in dry ether(200 ml.) cooled to 0° C. [obtained as described by J A Moore (OrganicSyntheses 1961, 41, 16) from bis-(N-methyl-N-nitroso)terephthalamide (10g.)]. After the addition was complete, the mixture was further stirredand allowed to warm up to room temperature during 2 hours. The mixturewas then separated by filtration. The residue obtained was washed withdry tetrahydrofuran (20 ml.) and the combined washings and filtrate wereevaporated to give2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-4-(α-diazo)acetyl-7-methoxy-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazine,as a solid which was used without purification or characterisation.

A solution of silver benzoate (0.2 g.) in triethylamine (1 ml.) wasadded slowly dropwise to a solution of the above 4-(α-diazo)acetylderivative in absolute ethanol (50 ml.) and tetrahydrofuran (30 ml.)heated under reflux. (After each addition, effervescence occurred andthis was allowed to subside before further solution was added.) Afterthe addition was complete, the reaction mixture was further stirred andheated under reflux for 30 minutes and then filtered whilst hot. Thefiltrate was evaporated and the residue obtained dissolved in ethylacetate (200 ml.). The ethyl acetate solution was washed with water(3×100 ml.), dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified bychromatography on silica (100 g.) using an increasing concentration ofethyl acetate in toluene as the eluant. There was thus obtained from theappropriate fractions [as judged by thin layer chromatography (TLC) onsilica plates using ethyl acetate-toluene (1:3 v/v) as eluant] ethyl2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-7-methoxy-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate(0.9 g.), m.p. 129°-130° C.

The necessary starting material was obtained as follows:

(a) A mixture of 7-methoxy-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylicacid (10.0 g.), sodium hydrogen carbonate (15.0 g.) and methyl iodide(15.0 ml.) in dry dimethylformamide (200 ml.) was stirred at roomtemperature for 16 hours. The mixture was then poured into water (600ml.). The precipitated solid was separated, washed first with water thencold methanol, and then recrystallised from methanol to give methyl7-methoxy-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylate (8.6 g.), m.p.222°-225° C.

(b) A solution of the methyl ester (8.29 g.), obtained in (a) above, indry dimethylformamide (200 ml.) was treated with sodium hydride (1.75g., 50% w/w dispersion in mineral oil). The mixture was stirred at 60°C. for one hour, cooled to room temperature, and 3,4-dichlorobenzylchloride (7.0 g.) added. The subsequent mixture was stirred at roomtemperature for 2 hours and then poured into water (600 ml.). The solidwhich formed was separated, washed with water, dried in vacuo and thenrecrystallised from a 1:3 v/v mixture of propan-2-ol and petrol (60-80)to give methyl2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-7-methoxy-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylate(9.0 g.), m.p. 144°-146° C.

(c) A solution of the methyl ester (9.0 g.), obtained in (b) above, inethanol (100 ml.) and water (100 ml.) containing potassium hydroxide(10.0 g.) was heated under reflux for 4 hours. The solution obtained wasthen diluted with water (200 ml.) and acidified to pH 2 withconcentrated hydrochloric acid. The solid which was thus deposited wasseparated, washed with water, dried in vacuo and recrystallised from a1:1 v/v mixture of propan-2-ol and dimethylformamide to give2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-7-methoxy-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylicacid (6.1 g.), m.p. 238°-240° C. [Note:7-methoxy-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylic acid was obtainedas a solid, m.p. 229°-230° C., by the procedure of Vaughan et alia (J.Amer. Chem. Soc. 1946, 68, 1314)].

EXAMPLE 9

Using a similar procedure to that described in Example 8, but startingfrom2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-7-chloro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylicacid (A) there was obtained in 8% yield, ethyl2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-7-chloro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate,as a solid having a satisfactory NMR spectrum.

The necessary starting carboxylic acid derivative (A) was obtained usinga similar procedure (a)-(c) to that described for the starting materialin Example 8, but starting from7-chloro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylic acid (B). Thenecessary intermediates had the following melting points:

from step (a): methyl7-chloro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylate, m.p. 255°-257° C.(recrystallised from 2:1 v/v methanol:dimethylformamide);

from step (b): methyl2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-7-chloro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylate,m.p. 178°-180° C. [recrystallised from 1:3 v/v propan-2-ol: petrol(60-80)];

from step (c):2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-7-chloro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylicacid, m.p. 260°-262° C. (recrystallized from 1:1 v/v methanol:dimethylformamide).

[Note: carboxylic acid (B) was obtained as a solid, m.p. 241°-243° C.,by a similar procedure to that of Vaughan et alia (J. Amer. Chem. Soc.1946, 68, 1314), but starting from 4-chloro-2-methylacetophenone].

EXAMPLES 10-11

Using a similar procedure to that described in Example 5, but startingfrom the appropriate ethyl ester, the following acids were obtained:

(Example 10):2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-7-methoxy-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylaceticacid, m.p. 198°-200° C. (recrystallised from propan-2-ol); yield 50%;(Example 11):2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-7-chloro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylaceticacid, m.p. 203°-205° C. [recrystallised from 1:1 v/v propan-2-ol: petrol(60-80)]; yield 43%.

EXAMPLES 12-13

Using a similar procedure to that described in Example 2, there wereobtained using the appropriate benzyl bromide or chloride, the followingesters:

(Example 12): ethyl2-(2-fluoro-4-chlorobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate,m.p. 102° C. [recrystallised from petrol (60-80), then from ethanol];yield 45%;

(Example 13): ethyl2-(2-fluoro-4-iodobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate, m.p.113° C. [recrystallised from petrol (60-80); yield 50%].

EXAMPLES 14-16

Using a similar procedure to that described in Example 5, but startingwith the appropriate ethyl ester, there were obtained the followingacids:

(Example 14):2-(2-fluoro-4-chlorobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetic acid,m.p. 193°-194° C. (recrystallised from 3:1 v/v ethanol:water); yield63%;

(Example 15):2-(2-fluoro-4-iodobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetic acid,m.p. 189° C. (recrystallised from 3:1 v/v ethanol:water); yield 55%;

(Example 16)*:2-(3-chloro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-thioxophthalazin-4-ylaceticacid, m.p. 197°-199° C. (recrystallised from propan-2-ol); yield 25%.

EXAMPLE 17

A mixture of ethyl2-(3-chloro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate (1.8g.) and phosphorus pentasulphide (2.5 g.) in xylene (100 ml.) wasstirred and heated under reflux for 1 hour. The reaction solution wasthen cooled to room temperature, ethyl acetate (25 ml.) was added andthe mixture was filtered through chromatographic silica (20 g.), thesubsequent filtrate was evaporated and the residual solid obtained wasrecrystallised from ethanol to give ethyl2-(3-chloro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-thioxophthalazin-4-ylacetate(1.1 g.), m.p. 124°-126° C.

EXAMPLE 18

3-Chloro-4-bromobenzylhydrazine (2.5 g.) was added to a stirred mixtureof 3-oxo-Δ1,α-phthalanacetic acid (also known as phthalideneacetic acid(1.92 g.) and sodium hydrogen carbonate (2.0 g.) in dioxan (50 ml.) andwater (25 ml.). The mixture was then heated under reflux for 3 hours,cooled to room temperature and poured into water (200 ml.). The aqueoussolution was extracted with ether (3×100 ml.) and the aqueous phase wasacidified with concentrated hydrochloric acid to pH 2. The solid whichdeposited was collected, washed well with water, dried in vacuo, andthen recrystallised twice from a mixture of toluene isopropanol andpetrol (60-80) (6:2:3 v/v/v) to give2-(3-chloro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetic acid(0.23 g.), m.p. 184°-186° C.

EXAMPLES 19-23

Using a similar procedure to that described in Example 2 but using theappropriate benzyl bromide of formula XIX there were obtained thefollowing compounds of formula XVIII in which ring B is unsubstituted:

    ______________________________________                                                substituents on                                                                           yield   m.p.   recrystallisation                          Example benzene ring A                                                                            (%)     (°C.)                                                                         solvent(s)                                 ______________________________________                                        19      3,4-dibromo 44      140-142                                                                              i-PrOH                                     20      2-fluoro-4,5-                                                                             21      129-130                                                                              EtOAc                                              dibromo                                                               21      3,5-dichloro                                                                              36      100-101                                                                              EtOAc                                      22      3,5-dichloro-                                                                             19      146-147                                                                              EtOH                                               4-bromo                                                               23      2-methoxy-4-                                                                              22      138    i-PrOH                                             chloro                                                                24      4-iodo      43      106-107                                                                              i-PrOH/petrol                                                                 1:3 (60-80)                                ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLES 25-26

Ethyl 4-methyl-3-oxo-Δ1α-phthalanacetate (2.29 g.) was heated andstirred under reflux in toluene (200 ml.) during the dropwise additionof a solution of 3,4-dichlorobenzylhydrazine (1.9 g.) in toluene (50ml.). The mixture was further heated under reflux for 3 hours, cooledand evaporated. The solid residue was recrystallised from 1:2 v/visopropanol and petrol (60-80) to give ethyl2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-8-methyl-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate(Example 25) (1.4 g.), m.p. 134°-137° C.

In a similar manner, but starting from ethyl4-fluoro-3-oxo-Δ1α-phthalanacetate, there was obtained ethyl2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-8-fluoro-1,2-dihydro-]-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate(Example 26), m.p. 177°-178° C. [recrystallised from 1:2 v/visopropanol/petrol (60-80)], in 37% yield.

Similarly, starting from a 1:1 mixture of 5-methyl- and6-methyl-3-oxo-Δ1α-phthalanacetate, there was obtained a 1:1 mixture ofethyl 6-methyl- and7-methyl-2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate(Example 27), m.p. 120°-122° C. (recrystallisation from isopropanol) in33% yield.

The required starting materials were obtained as follows:

A solution of 3-fluorophthalic anhydride (7.35 g.) and(carbethoxymethylene)triphenylphosphorane (17.5 g.) in dry1,2-dimethoxyethane (200 ml.) was stirred and heated under reflux in anatmosphere of nitrogen for 16 hours. The solvent was then evaporated andthe residue adsorbed onto chromatographic silica gel (20 g.). Thissilica gel was then added to the top of a column of the same silica gel(300 g.) and the column was eluted with toluene. The eluate wasmonitored by TLC (SiO₂ gel: eluant 9:1 v/v toluene/ethyl acetate) andthe first fractions containing UV visible material were combined andevaporated. The residual solid obtained was recrystallized fromisopropanol to give ethyl 4-fluoro-3-oxo-Δ1α-phthalanacetate (2.3 g.),m.p. 101°-103° C., required for Example 26.

In a similar manner, ethyl 4-methyl-3-oxo Δ,1α-phthalanacetate (requiredfor Example 25) was obtained as a solid, m.p. 84°-86° C. in 56% yieldafter recrystallisation from isopropanol, starting from 3-methylphthalicanhydride.

Similarly, the 1:1 mixture of ethyl 5-methyl- and6-methyl-3-oxo-Δ,1α-phthalanacetate (required for Example 27) wasobtained in 40% yield as a solid, m.p. 84°-86° C. (recrystallised fromisopropanol), starting from 4-methylphthalic anhydride.

EXAMPLES 28-30

Using a similar procedure to that described in Example 2 the followingcompounds were obtained from the appropriate substituted1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate and2-fluoro-4-bromobenzylhydrazine:

Example 28: ethyl2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-8-fluoro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate,m.p. 128°-130° C. [recrystallised from 1:3 v/v isopropanol/petrol(60-80)] in 36% yield;

Example 29: ethyl2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-8-methyl-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate,m.p. 120°-122° C. [recrystallised from 1:3 v/v isopropanol/petrol(60-80)] in 43% yield; and

Example 30: ethyl2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-6,7-methylenedioxy-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate,m.p. 163°-165° C. (recrystallised from ethyl acetate) in 56% yield.

The necessary starting materials were obtained in the following manner:

(i) Ethyl 8-methyl-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate (for Example29)

A solution of ethyl 4-methyl-3-oxo-Δ1α-phthalanacetate (3.5 g.) inethanol (100 ml.) was stirred and heated under reflux during thedropwise addition of hydrazine hydrate (15 ml. of a 1 M-solution inethanol). After the addition was complete, the mixture was furtherstirred and heated under reflux for 3 hours and then allowed to cool toroom temperature. The solid which was deposited was collected and washedwell with petrol (60-80), and recrystallised from isopropanol/petrol(60-80) to give ethyl 8-methyl-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate(1.0 g.), m.p. 197°-199° C.

(ii) Ethyl 8-fluoro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate (for Example28)

This ester was obtained as a solid, m.p. 207°-210° C. (recrystallisedfrom ethyl acetate) in 51% yield from ethyl4-fluoro-3-oxo-Δ,1α-phthalanacetate and hydrazine hydrate, using theprocedure described in (i) above.

(iii) Ethyl 6,7-methylenedioxy-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate(for Example 30)

This ester was obtained as a solid, m.p. 226°-228° C. in 70% yield fromethyl 5,6-methylenedioxy-3-oxo-Δ,1α-phthalanacetate (A) and hydrazinehydrate. The phthalanacetate (A) was itself obtained as a solid, m.p.189°-191° C. (recrystallised from ethanol) in 64% yield from4,5-methylenedioxyphthalic anhydride using an analogous procedure tothat described for the corresponding intermediates in Examples 25-27.[This procedure is based on that of Knight and Porter, TetrahedronLetters, 1977, 4543-4547].

EXAMPLES 31-34

Using an analogous procedure to that described in Example 8 thefollowing esters of the formula XVIII were obtained from the appropriatestarting materials:

    ______________________________________                                              Substit- Substit-              recrystal-                               Ex-   uents on uents on Yield m.p.   lisation                                 ample ring B   ring A   (%)   (°C.)                                                                         solvent(s)                               ______________________________________                                        31    7-fluoro 3,4-     26    160-162                                                                              i-PrOH                                                  dichloro                                                       32    6,7-     3,4-     70*   204-205                                                                              CHCl.sub.3 /EtOAc                              dichloro dichloro              (1:2)                                    33    6-chloro 3,4-     10    143-146                                                                              EtOH                                                    dichloro                                                       34    6-fluoro 2-fluoro-                                                                              60*   121-123                                                                              EtOH                                                    4-bromo                                                        ______________________________________                                         *Note: Diazomethane generated from                                            bis(N--methyl--N--nitroso)terephthalamide by the improved procedure of        Moore and Reed (Organic Syntheses, Collected Vol. 5, pp.351-355).        

The necessary starting phthalazin-4-yl-carboxylic acids may be obtainedas follows:

(i)2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-7-fluoro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylicacid

7-Fluoro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylic acid (obtained as asolid, m.p. 241°-243° C. in 52% yield by a similar procedure to that ofVaughan et alia, J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 1946, 68, 1314) was converted toits sodium salt and reacted with iodomethane by the procedure describedin part (a) of Example 8 to give the corresponding methyl ester as asolid, m.p. 234°-237° C. [recrystallised from 3:1 v/vmethanol/dimethylformamide (DMF)] in 68% yield. This ester was thenalkylated with 3,4-dichlorobenzyl chloride by the procedure described inpart (b) of Example 8 to give methyl2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-7-fluoro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylate,m.p. 147°-149° C. [recrystallised from 1:1 v/v toluene/petrol (60-80)]in 68% yield. This ester was then hydrolysed using a mixture of aqueouspotassium carbonate and dioxan using the procedure of Example 36hereinafter to give 2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-7-fluoro-1-2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylic acid as a solid, m.p. 222°-224°C. (recrystallised from isopropanol) in 87% yield.

(ii)2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-6,7-dichloro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylicacid

This acid was obtained in an analogous manner to that in part (i) above,and the relevant intermediates, melting points, solvents and yields wereas follows:

6,7-dichloro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylic acid: m.p.294°-296° C., (recrystallised from DMF), yield 42%; corresponding methylester: m.p. 234°-236° C. (recrystallised from DMF), yield 51%;

methyl2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-6,7-dichloro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylate:m.p. 155°-156° C. (recrystallised from DMF), yield 85%;

2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-6,7-dichloro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylicacid: m.p. 240°-242° C. (recrystallised from ethanol), yield 62%.

(iii)2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-6-chloro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylicacid

A solution of butyl lithium in hexane (165 ml. of a 1.6 M solution) wasadded slowly to a stirred solution of2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-oxazoline (50.0 g.; prepared by theprocedure of Meyers et alia, J. Org.Chem., 1974, 39, 2787) in sodiumdried ether (600 ml.) maintained at -5° to 0° C. and under an atmosphereof dry argon. Stirring was continued at this temperature for 30 minutesafter the addition was complete and then the solution was added slowlyto a stirred solution of dry diethyl oxalate (326 ml.) in ether (500ml.) maintained at 0° C. Air and water were excluded during the transferby the use of an atmosphere of dry argon. The reaction mixture wasfurther stirred after the addition was complete and was allowed to warmup to room temperature during 1 hour. The ethereal mixture was thenwashed with water (2×150 ml.), dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated underreduced pressure (10 mm Hg.) until all excess diethyl oxalate wasremoved. The residue was dissolved in dioxan (500 ml.) and the solutionadded to 5 N hydrochloric acid (500 ml.). The mixture was heated underreflux for 18 hours, evaporated to half volume and the residual solutionfiltered. The filtrate was adjusted to pH 8 by addition of hydrazinehydrate and the solution heated at 90° C. for 30 minutes, and thenacidified to pH 4 with concentrated hydrochloric acid. The mixture wascooled and the solid which separated was collected by filtration, washedwith water (2×500 ml.) and dried in vacuo over phosphorus pentoxide togive 6-chloro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylic acid (21.0 g.).

This acid was suspended in DMF (250 ml.) and the mixture treated withsodium hydrogen carbonate (21.0 g.) and iodomethane (40 ml.). Thecombined mixture was stirred overnight and then diluted with water (250ml.). The solid which deposited was collected, washed with water (2×200ml.) and recrystallised from 2:1 v/v isopropanol/DMF to give methyl6-chloro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylate (17.0 g.), m.p.248°-250° C.

This ester was then reacted with 3,4-dichlorobenzyl chloride in ananalogous manner to that described in part (i) and (ii) above. There wasthen obtained methyl2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-6-chloro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylate,m.p. 168°-170° C. (recrystallised from toluene) in 45% yield. This esterwas then hydrolysed as described in part (i) above to give2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-6-chloro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylicacid, m.p. 222°-223° C. (recrystallised from ethanol) in 60% yield.

(iv)2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-6-fluoro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylicacid

This acid was obtained in an analogous manner to that in part (iii)above, and the relevant intermediates, melting points, solvents andyields are as follows:

methyl 6-fluoro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylate: m.p.221°-223° C. (recrystallised from 2:1 v/v methanol/DMF), yield 15%;

methyl2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-6-fluoro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylate:m.p. 131°-134° C. (recrystallised from methanol), yield 51%;

2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-6-fluoro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylcarboxylicacid: m.p. 210°-211° C., (recrystallised from isopropanol), yield 70%.

EXAMPLE 35

Using a similar procedure to that described in Example 17, there wasobtained ethyl2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-thioxophthalazin-4-ylacetate,m.p. 97°-99° C. (recrystallised from ethanol) in 22% yield by thiationof ethyl2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate.

EXAMPLES 36-39

A mixture of potassium carbonate (1.5 g.), water (16 ml.), dioxan (50ml.) and ethyl2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-8-fluoro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate(1.0 g.) was heated under reflux for 24 hours, and then evaporated. Theresidue was dissolved in water (100 ml.) and the solution washed withether (2×100 ml.). The aqueous phase was acidified to pH 2 by additionof concentrated hydrochloric acid. The solid which formed was collectedby filtration, washed with water, and recrystallised from a 7:1:5 v/v/vmixture of toluene/isopropanol/petrol (60-80) to give2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-8-fluoro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylaceticacid (Example 36) (0.5 g.), m.p. 173°-l75° C.

Using an analogous procedure, and starting from the appropriate ethylesters, the following acetic acid derivatives were obtained:

Example 37:2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-7-fluoro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylaceticacid, m.p. 201°-202° C. (recrystallised from 1:2 v/v ethyl acetate/petol(60-80), yield 90%;

Example 38:2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-6,7-dichloro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylaceticacid, m.p. 204°-205° C. (recrystallised from 5:1 v/v methanol/DMF),yield 76%;

Example 39:2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-6-chloro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylaceticacid, m.p. 208°-209° C. (recrystallised from isopropanol), yield 55%.

EXAMPLES 40-52

Using a similar procedure to that described in Example 5 the followingacetic acid derivatives of formula XX were obtained by hydrolysis of thecorresponding ethyl esters with potassium hydroxide:

    __________________________________________________________________________         Substit-                                                                              Substit-    melting                                                   uent on uents on                                                                              Yield                                                                             point                                                                              recrystallisation                               Example                                                                            ring B  ring A  (%) (°C.)                                                                       solvent(s)                                      __________________________________________________________________________    40     none  4-iodo  64  178-180                                                                            i-PrOH/petrol                                                                 (60-80) (1:2)                                   41     none  3,4-di- 61  187-189                                                                            i-PrOH                                                       bromo                                                            42     none  2-fluoro-                                                                             71  184-186                                                                            i-PrOH                                                       4,5-di-                                                                       bromo                                                            43     none  3,5-di- 60  219-220                                                                            i-PrOH                                                       chloro-4-                                                                     bromo                                                            44     none  2-methoxy-                                                                            55  183-184                                                                            i-PrOH                                                       4-                                                                            chloro                                                           45     8-fluoro                                                                            3,4-di- 68  143-145                                                                            EtOAc/toluene                                                chloro                                                           46     6-methyl*                                                                           3,4-di- 43  182-184                                                                            i-PrOH                                                 +     chloro                                                                  7-methyl                                                                            3,4-di-                                                                       chloro                                                           47     8-methyl                                                                            2-fluoro-                                                                             37  195-197                                                                            i-PrOH/petrol                                                4-bromo          (60-80) (1:2)                                   48     8-methyl                                                                            3,4-di- 44  203-205                                                                            i-PrOH/petrol                                                chloro           (60-80) (1:2)                                   49     6,7-  2-fluoro-                                                                             70  209-210                                                                            i-PrOH                                                 methyl-                                                                             4-bromo                                                                 enedioxy                                                               50     6-fluoro                                                                            2-fluoro-                                                                             72  187-188                                                                            i-PrOH                                                       4-bromo                                                          51     8-ethoxy**                                                                          3,4-di- 65  204-206                                                                            i-PrOH                                                       chloro                                                           __________________________________________________________________________     *1:2 mixture of 6methyl and 7methyl derivatives.                              **exotautomer by NMR.                                                    

In a similar manner,2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-thioxophthalazin-4-ylaceticacid (Example 52) was obtained as a solid, m.p. 194°-196° C.(recrystallised from methanol) in 30% yield by hydrolysis of thecorresponding ethyl ester with aqueous methanolic sodium hydroxidesolution.

EXAMPLE 53

Ethyl2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-8-fluoro-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate(1.8 g.) was added to a solution of sodium (1.5 g.) in dry ethanol (150ml.). The solution obtained was heated under reflux for 3 hours and thenevaporated. Water (100 ml.) was added to the residue and the solidobtained was collected by filtration and dried to give ethyl2(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-8-ethoxy-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate(0.5 g.).

EXAMPLE 54

Acetyl chloride (10 ml.) was added to stirred methanol (150 ml.) to givea solution of hydrogen chloride in methanol and methyl acetate.2-(2-Fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetic acid(2.1 g.) was added to this solution and the mixture was heated underreflux for 18 hours, and then cooled to room temperature. The solidwhich crystallised out was separated by filtration and recrystallisedfrom methanol to give methyl2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate (1.4g.), m.p. 151°-153° C.

EXAMPLES 55-57

A solution of2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetylchloride (1.65 g.) [prepared in situ by heating the corresponding acid(1.6 g.) under reflux with oxalyl chloride (2.5 ml.) and DMF (0.1 ml.)in dry benzene (30 ml.) for 3 hours and then exaporating the mixtureazeotropically with dry toluene] was prepared in methylene chloride (20ml.). This solution was then added dropwise to an ice-cooled stirredsolution of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)morpholine (1.5 g.) and triethylamine (2ml.) in methylene chloride (100 ml.). The stirred mixture was thenallowed to attain room temperature during 18 hours, was next washed withwater (2×100 ml.), and then extracted with 2 N-hydrochloric acid (2×50ml.). The acid extracts were washed with ether (2×100 ml.) and theethereal extracts discarded. The aqueous phase was basified to pH 10with potassium carbonate and then extracted with ethyl acetate (2×100ml.). These extracts were washed with water (2×100 ml.), dried (MgSO₄)and evaporated to give a solid which was crystallised from petrol(80-100) to yield 2-(N-morpholino)ethyl2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate(Example 55) (0.5 g.), m.p. 99°-100° C.

In a similar manner starting with 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethanol andbenzyl alcohol respectively, there were obtained:

Example 56: 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate, m.p.75°-77° C. [recrystallised from petrol (80-100)] in 16% yield; and

Example 57: benzyl2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate, m.p.105°-107° C. [recrystallised from petrol (80-100)] in 50% yield; thisester was isolated from the initial CH₂ Cl₂ phase.

EXAMPLE 58

A solution of sodium methoxide (25 ml. of a 1.0 M solution in methanol)was added to a solution of2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetic acid(9.87 g.) in methanol (300 ml.) and the mixture heated to its bolingpoint. Methanol was then allowed to boil off until the volume of themixture was approximately 100 ml. Isopropanol (150 ml.) was then added,followed by petrol (60-80) until the mixture was just opaque. Themixture was then allowed to cool to room temperature. The solid whichformed was separated by filtration, evaporated with toluene (2×400 ml.)and then washed with ether (300 ml.) to give sodium2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetate, 6.5g., m.p. 244°-247° C.

EXAMPLE 59 (all parts are by weight)

A mixture of2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetic acid(50 parts), lactose (27 parts) and maize starch (20 parts) was stirredthoroughly, and a paste formed from maize starch (2 parts) and water (40parts) was added and thoroughly mixed in. The resultant mass was passedthrough a 16 mesh screen, then dried at 60° C. and passed through a 20mesh screen. Magnesium stearate (1 part) was added to the granulesobtained, and the whole compressed by conventional means into tablets,containing 10, 20, 50 and 100 mg. of active ingredient and suitable fororal administration for therapeutic purposes.

Using a similar procedure, but replacing the active ingredient by anyother compound of the invention or a salt thereof, for example asdescribed in any one of the aforegoing Examples, tablets containing 10,20, 50 and 100 mg. of active ingredient may be obtained.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pharmaceutical composition suitable for use inproducing an anti-inflammatory effect in a warm-blooded animal whichcomprises a compound of the formula: ##STR20## wherein R¹ is hydroxy, R²is fluoro, R³ and R⁵ are hydrogen and R⁴ is chloro, bromo or iodo; or R²and R⁵ are hydrogen, and R³ and R⁴ are each independently chloro, bromoor iodo; and in either case R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are hydrogen and X is oxygen;or a pharmaceutically acceptable base-addition salt thereof; togetherwith a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier.
 2. Thepharmaceutical composition of claim 1 wherein the compound of formula Iis selected from the group consisting of2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetic acid,2-(3-chloro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetic acid,and the pharmaceutically acceptable base-addition salts thereof.
 3. Thepharmaceutical composition of claim 1 which is in a form suitable fororal administration, said form being one of a tablet, capsule,suspension or solution.
 4. A method for the production of ananti-inflammatory effect in a warm-blooded animal requiring suchtreatment which comprises administering to said animal a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a compound of formula I, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable base-addition salt thereof, as defined in claim
 1. 5. Themethod of claim 4 wherein said compound is selected from the groupconsisting of2-(2-fluoro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazin-4-ylacetic acid,2-(3-chloro-4-bromobenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxophthalazine-4-ylacetic acid,and the pharmaceutically acceptable base-addition salts thereof.